A "drunk" Isle of Wight man swore and made racial slurs at a town council meeting, after entering the wrong room, then duct taped his mouth shut as he appeared in court.

On Friday, October 11, Michael Cooper, of Fort Street, Sandown, went before magistrates charged with causing harassment, alarm or distress to a person and failing to comply with a public spaces protection order, in two separate incidents.

Standing in the dock, the 54-year-old placed tape over his mouth before proceeding to admit to the offences.

Prosecuting, Lauren McConnell, said Cooper entered a Sandown Town Council meeting at The Broadway Centre on July 29, appearing "lost and drunk".

An alcohol recovery meeting was also being held in the building at the time. 

Court heard how Cooper stayed in the town council meeting and made several comments throughout, shouting "bulls**t" at different points.

When the meeting discussed a football foundation grant, Cooper proclaimed it was a "waste of money" and made racial slurs, Mrs McConnell said.

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He was asked to leave. Cooper stood up and rolled a cigarette but was told he could not smoke.

He then admitted he was in the wrong meeting and shouted further obscenities as he walked out.

Richard Priest, clerk at the meeting, said Cooper's behaviour, which lasted around ten to 15 minutes, left him concerned for his safety, Mrs McConnell told the court.

Court heard how the incident caused "fear and trepidation" and has prompted the town council to review its lone worker policy.

In another incident, on August 29, Cooper and a woman were spotted by police on Sandown Esplanade.

The area is subject to a public protection spaces order, which means no alcohol can be consumed there.

Cooper, who has 27 previous convictions for 50 offences, was seen with bottles of alcohol.

Defending, Oscar Vincent, said Cooper was in breach of a community order.

Magistrates sent his case to the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on November 14.

Cooper was granted unconditional bail.